Sofia Cake

Sofia Cake: a soft and aromatic delicacy for special moments

There are moments in life when a simple yet flavorful dessert can transform an ordinary day into a celebration. The Sofia Cake is one of those desserts that not only delights the taste buds but also brings family and friends together around a joyful table. This delicious recipe is easy to make, and the final result is a fluffy cake with a perfect texture and unforgettable taste. Get ready to dive into the world of flavors and textures with this captivating recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 14 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 14 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 14 tablespoons of milk (use whole milk for a richer taste)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Flour, as needed (about 8-10 tablespoons, sifted)
- 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder (for a savory contrast)
- 1 square of dark chocolate (optional, for glazing)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Eggs, milk, and oil will incorporate more easily and contribute to an even texture of the batter.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them at medium speed until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This is the base of your cake, and the air incorporated here will make the dessert fluffy.

3. Adding oil and milk: Continue mixing and gradually incorporate the oil, followed by the milk, until everything is well blended. This step is essential to achieving a moist and flavorful cake.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Add the baking powder and vanilla sugar, mixing gently. Then, start adding the sifted flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a whisk. Continue until you achieve a consistency similar to thick sour cream that flows easily from the spoon.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Choose a loaf pan and line it with baking paper to facilitate removing the cake after baking.

6. Separating the batter: Pour 3/4 of the batter into the prepared pan. In the remaining batter, add the 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder and mix well.

7. Shaping the cake: Pour the cocoa batter over the white batter in the pan and use a fork to create a marbled pattern. This technique not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides an interesting taste experience with each slice.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. It is essential not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly.

9. Cooling and glazing: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it onto a rack to cool completely.

10. Preparing the glaze: Melt the square of dark chocolate in a bain-marie, stirring constantly. Once melted, pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

11. Serving: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a fruity note, you can add pieces of caramelized apples or pears to the cake batter.
- Substitute cocoa with carob powder for a caffeine-free yet equally tasty version.
- You can experiment with natural essences, such as almond or orange essence, to add another layer of flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
The Sofia Cake is a good source of carbohydrates, and the eggs provide essential proteins. Additionally, the milk adds calcium and B vitamins. However, it is good to know that desserts, including this cake, should be consumed in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
- Yes, brown sugar will add a caramelized note and moisture, but make sure to measure it correctly.

2. What can I do if I don’t have cocoa?
- You can completely omit the cocoa or replace it with carob powder or even chocolate chips.

3. How can I keep the cake longer?
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it sliced.

Complementary recipes:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant fruit tea. Additionally, for a delicious variation, you can try serving it with a portion of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

I wish you much success in preparing this Sofia Cake! It is a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and transform any moment into a celebration!